Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by Jaclyn A. Neeley
Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of lip support. Without proper lip support, denture wearers may experience a sunken or collapsed appearance around the mouth, leading to an aged and unattractive look. Fortunately, there are several strategies and techniques that can help ensure your dentures provide the necessary lip support for a more youthful and natural appearance.
The Importance of Lip Support
The lips play a crucial role in facial aesthetics and expression. When you have natural teeth, the teeth and underlying bone structure provide support for the lips, giving them a full and defined appearance. However, when teeth are lost, the bone gradually resorbs or shrinks, leading to a lack of support for the lips. This can result in a sunken or collapsed appearance around the mouth, creating an aged and unattractive look.Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, but they must also provide adequate lip support to maintain a youthful and natural appearance. Without proper lip support, the lips can fold inward, causing wrinkles and a sunken appearance around the mouth, which can be both aesthetically displeasing and functionally problematic.
Factors Affecting Lip Support with Dentures
Several factors can influence the level of lip support provided by dentures:
- Denture Design: The design and construction of the dentures play a crucial role in determining the level of lip support. Dentures that are properly designed and fabricated to mimic the natural contours of the mouth and teeth can provide better lip support.
- Bite Registration: During the denture fabrication process, the dentist or prosthodontist must accurately capture the patient’s bite registration. This ensures that the dentures are positioned correctly in the mouth, providing the necessary support for the lips.
- Denture Fit: A well-fitting denture is essential for proper lip support. Dentures that are too loose or ill-fitting can cause the lips to collapse inward, leading to a sunken appearance.
- Bone Resorption: Over time, the jawbone can resorb or shrink, especially in areas where teeth were previously present. This can affect the fit of the dentures and compromise lip support.
Techniques for Achieving Proper Lip Support
To ensure that your dentures provide adequate lip support, your dentist or prosthodontist may employ the following techniques:
Proper Denture Design and Fabrication
The design and fabrication of dentures play a crucial role in achieving proper lip support. Your dentist or prosthodontist will take precise measurements and impressions of your mouth to create dentures that mimic the natural contours of your teeth and gums. This includes ensuring that the denture teeth are positioned correctly and that the denture base provides the necessary support for the lips.
Accurate Bite Registration
During the denture fabrication process, your dentist or prosthodontist will capture your bite registration. This involves recording the relationship between your upper and lower jaws when your teeth are in a closed position. Accurate bite registration ensures that the dentures are positioned correctly in your mouth, providing the necessary support for your lips.
Denture Adjustments and Relines
Over time, your jawbone may resorb or shrink, causing your dentures to become loose or ill-fitting. This can compromise lip support and lead to a sunken appearance around the mouth. To address this issue, your dentist may recommend denture adjustments or relines. During a reline procedure, the denture base is reshaped to fit your changing jawbone contours, ensuring a snug fit and proper lip support.
Dental Implants for Denture Stabilization
In some cases, dental implants can be used to stabilize dentures and provide additional support for the lips. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to the jawbone using dental implants, which can help prevent bone resorption and maintain the proper fit and support for the lips over time.
Maintaining Proper Lip Support
Even after achieving proper lip support with your dentures, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s recommendations for denture care. Regular dental check-ups and adjustments may be necessary to ensure that your dentures continue to fit properly and provide the necessary lip support as your mouth changes over time.
Conclusion
Proper lip support is essential for achieving a natural and youthful appearance with dentures. By working closely with your dentist or prosthodontist and employing techniques such as proper denture design, accurate bite registration, denture adjustments, and dental implants, you can ensure that your dentures provide the necessary support for your lips. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s recommendations for denture care will also help ensure that your dentures continue to provide the desired lip support over time.
FAQs
How do I keep my face from sagging with dentures?
To prevent facial sagging with dentures, ensure they fit properly to provide adequate support. Consider implant-supported dentures, which help maintain jawbone density and prevent bone loss. Regularly visit your dentist for adjustments and relines to maintain a good fit. Good nutrition and avoiding excessive wear of dentures can also help. Additionally, specialized dentures like FOY® or facelift dentures are designed to provide better facial support and reduce sagging.
Why do my dentures make my lipstick out?
Dentures can make your lipstick out if they are too large or improperly fitted. Overly thick denture flanges or teeth that are too long or incorrectly angled can cause this issue. Adjustments by a dentist, such as thinning the denture material or repositioning the teeth, can help correct the problem. Poorly fitted dentures can also cause a “duck lips” appearance, which should be addressed by a skilled prosthodontist.
Can I get lip fillers if I have dentures?
Yes, you can get lip fillers if you have dentures. Lip fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, can enhance lip fullness and improve symmetry, even for denture wearers. These fillers can help counteract the thinning and inward folding of lips that sometimes occur with dentures. Consult with a qualified cosmetic professional to ensure the fillers are applied correctly and complement your dentures.
Do your lips get thinner with dentures?
Yes, lips can get thinner with dentures if they do not provide adequate support. Poorly fitted dentures can cause the lips to fold inward, reducing the appearance of the vermillion border and making the lips look thinner. This can also lead to increased wrinkles around the mouth. Properly fitted dentures or specialized options like facelift dentures can help maintain lip fullness and prevent thinning.
How can denture relines help with lip support?
Denture relines can improve lip support by ensuring a better fit against the gums and underlying bone structure. This process involves adding new material to the denture base, which helps restore the correct vertical dimension and provides better support for the lips and cheeks. Relines can prevent the lips from folding inward and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, enhancing overall facial aesthetics.
